South Florida Dog Paralyzed After Eating Dead Iguana

Veterinarian warns pet owners to be cautious during cold snaps when iguanas may fall from trees.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:20pm

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A South Florida dog named Ziggy is recovering after becoming paralyzed from eating a dead iguana in his backyard. The dog's owner, Debbie Angelo, says Ziggy was usually very active but became unable to use his legs after the incident. Veterinarian Randi Fishkin-Ranade explains that Ziggy likely has botulism, a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by consuming toxins in decaying animals. The vet advises pet owners to be vigilant during cold snaps when iguanas may fall from trees and warns that this situation can be fatal in some cases.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the potential dangers pets face when they encounter dead wildlife, especially during cold weather when iguanas and other animals may become immobilized. It serves as a warning to pet owners to be cautious and remove any dead animals from their yards to protect their pets.

The details

Debbie Angelo says her dog Ziggy, who is usually very active and playful, discovered a dead, headless iguana in the backyard on Thursday, February 12th. By Saturday, February 14th, Ziggy's back legs began to give out, and by Sunday, February 15th, he could not use his front or back legs. Ziggy's veterinarian, Randi Fishkin-Ranade, diagnosed him with botulism, a rare but life-threatening paralytic illness caused by consuming toxins in decaying animals.

  • On Thursday, February 12th, Ziggy discovered the dead iguana in the backyard.
  • By Saturday, February 14th, Ziggy's back legs began to give out.
  • By Sunday, February 15th, Ziggy could not use his front or back legs.

The players

Ziggy

A South Florida dog who became paralyzed after eating a dead iguana.

Debbie Angelo

Ziggy's owner, who witnessed him chewing on the dead iguana.

Randi Fishkin-Ranade

The veterinarian who diagnosed Ziggy with botulism, a rare but life-threatening paralytic illness.

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What they’re saying

“I saw this dead, smelly, putrid iguana, and the head was missing. He was chewing on it. I'm just assuming he ate the head off.”

— Debbie Angelo, Ziggy's owner (Miami Herald)

“He's not been one of those lay-around dogs. He's always really, really active. It's heartbreaking. I cried for the first two days.”

— Debbie Angelo, Ziggy's owner (Miami Herald)

“We're looking to see whether or not he's got motor function. In some cases this can be fatal.”

— Randi Fishkin-Ranade, Veterinarian (Miami Herald)

“Tour your yard and make sure that there are no dead iguanas that have fallen, and if there are, get rid of them.”

— Randi Fishkin-Ranade, Veterinarian (Miami Herald)

What’s next

Ziggy's veterinarian, Randi Fishkin-Ranade, says it could take up to three weeks for him to recover, provided there are no complications.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a warning to pet owners in South Florida to be vigilant during cold snaps when iguanas may fall from trees and to promptly remove any dead animals from their yards to protect their pets from potentially fatal illnesses like botulism.